A student visa is a special permit that allows foreign nationals to temporarily reside in Spain for the purpose of studying. Even if some subtypes of student visas permit part-time work, studying remains the primary and main purpose of staying in the country.
Types of Education Eligible for a Student Visa in Spain
Not all courses or educational programs qualify for a student visa in Spain in 2025. The eligible types of education include the following:
- Higher Education: University programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at accredited institutions, as well as preparatory “zero” courses. The course can be full-time or hybrid, but in the latter case, at least 50% of classes must be in-person.
- Vocational Education: Vocational training cycles recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, including mandatory internships and leading to an official diploma. As with higher education, the course can be full-time or hybrid, with at least 50% of classes in-person.
- Educational Programs and Language Courses: This includes working as a foreign language teaching assistant in official educational institutions, as well as studying Spanish or other official languages of Spain (non-native to the applicant) at official language schools or accredited centers (e.g., Instituto Cervantes). This category also includes preparation for medical specialization exams, training for professional licenses and technical certificates, and full (non-modular) programs leading to Level C certificates in the vocational education system (levels 2 and 3).
- Student Exchange Programs: Erasmus+, bilateral agreements between universities, and similar initiatives. Programs must correspond to levels 2 or 3 of the international education classification.
- Volunteering: Volunteer programs with an educational component, work in socially significant non-profit projects without payment (only expense reimbursement or pocket money is allowed). The program must be officially recognized, including through the European Solidarity Corps.
Main Requirements for the Applicant and Financial Status
The list of main documents and requirements includes:
- Passport, valid for the entire period of the initially requested student visa.
- Letter of admission to a course from a Spanish educational institution and proof of payment of the relevant fee.
- Medical insurance with full coverage without co-payments, equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system, including hospitalization.
- Sufficient financial resources: 100% of the IPREM (600 € per month in 2025) for the entire visa period for the main applicant. If accompanied by family members, an additional 75% of the IPREM is required for the first family member and 50% for each subsequent one.
- Apostilled criminal record certificate, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator or certified by the Spanish consulate.
- Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that could harm public health, also translated into Spanish.
- For student exchange programs and volunteering, confirmation of housing is required, and future volunteers must provide a description of the program, their duties, working conditions, duration, and hours.
- For medical preparatory courses (e.g., for the MIR exam, required for medical specialization), a relevant Spanish or recognized/homologated foreign degree in fields such as medicine, pharmacology, nursing, or similar is required.
Legislative Changes in 2025
The 2025 reform introduced significant changes to the procedure for obtaining and renewing student visas in Spain, primarily affecting students of language courses:
- Elimination of student visa applications within Spain for language courses: As of May 20, 2025, initial applications can only be submitted from the country of origin or permanent residence. Student visas for exchange programs or volunteering must also be processed through consulates.
- Restrictions on renewing student visas based on language courses: Applicants must now submit DELE/SIELE certificates to prove academic progress.
- Obtaining residence: Language course students can no longer convert their student visa into a full residence permit with work rights. University students can do so immediately after obtaining their degree or first apply for a job-seeking residence permit.
If the goal is long-term residence in Spain, language courses are no longer an optimal option. Below, we note additional restrictions for language course students. To establish yourself in Spain, it is recommended to choose professional or university education directly.
Where to Apply for a Student Visa in Spain in 2025
If you are in your home country, the application must be submitted at the Spanish consulate. You can request a student visa for any type of education, including language courses or university programs. The application must be submitted at least two months before the start of the course (if the enrollment process takes less time, this must be justified).
If you are already in Spain, you can request a student permit for university studies under the following conditions:
- You are legally in the country (e.g., with a Schengen visa or another type of residence permit, with at least 60 days remaining before the legal stay expires).
- If in Spain on a visa, you have not exceeded the 90-day stay limit within the last 180 days.
- You submit the application at least two months before the start of the course; if less time remains, this must be explained to the immigration authorities.
The application review period is up to two months. A lack of response within this period is considered a visa denial. In case of an official refusal, the applicant receives a written notification stating the reasons and the right to appeal.
In Spain, document submission can be done at the place of study, in person at the immigration office, through an official representative, or online. If the student visa is granted for more than 6 months, you must obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the police station within one month of receiving a positive decision.
Work and Study in Spain: Can They Be Combined?
The right to combine work and study in Spain depends on the chosen program:
- Higher education (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate): Working up to 30 hours per week is permitted automatically. The work permit is granted automatically, so no additional administrative procedures are required.
- Language courses: These do not automatically grant work rights; an additional work permit must be requested.
- Accompanying family members: They do not receive work permits, even for family members of university students.
Validity of the Student Visa in Spain in 2025 and Subsequent Renewal
The student visa for Spain in 2025 is issued for a period corresponding to the duration of the course (e.g., 9 or 11 months). If the course lasts longer than a year, the initial student visa is valid for a maximum of one year with the right to renewal. Exceptions are higher education programs, where the visa duration matches the official study period, and medical specializations, where the visa is issued for the entire duration of the course. If the student visa is issued for more than one year, annual confirmation of continued studies is required.
The visa renewal application must be submitted electronically, in person, or through a representative 60 days before the visa expires. Renewal conditions include passing exams, enrollment in the next academic course, and meeting financial and administrative requirements. If the application is submitted on time, the visa is automatically extended until a decision is made. Applications for renewal can be submitted within 3 months after the visa expires, but this may be considered an administrative violation.
Starting in 2025, students of language courses must submit DELE/SIELE certificates when applying for visa renewal to demonstrate language progress. If the DELE exam is scheduled for a date after the visa expires, proof of exam registration can be attached to the application.
As of May 20, 2025, only a single renewal of the student visa is permitted for language courses, volunteer programs, and preparatory programs for national exams granting access to medical specializations. As a result, language courses, previously a popular pathway for relocation and integration, lose their role as a convenient bridge for settling in Spain.
If you are already in Spain on a student visa based on language courses, after May 20, 2025, you can request one renewal (even if you have previously renewed the visa). In the future, to settle in the country, you can enroll in a higher or vocational education institution and, after completing your studies, convert the student visa into a full residence permit with work rights. During your studies, you can also apply for a digital nomad or startup residence permit.
